The French like to holiday in their own country. Every August thousands of French families pile into their cars and head south to their holiday homes in the sun. Now more and more Europeans are following suit, investing in property in the South of France, either with a view to moving there permanently, or to get their dream holiday home.

Catering to this demand are a number of new purpose-built properties. If you are interested in rubbing shoulders with the famous in Cannes you could consider Résidence Odyssée des Homériales, situated in the commune of Vallauris. Picasso lived in the town for a number of years, and Vallauris is still famed for its craftsmen and artisans. Close by are the beaches of Golfe Juan, and 25 kilometres away is Nice airport. The development consists of two buildings containing one-, two- and three-bed apartments which share communal gardens. Apartments are priced from £150,000 to £247,000 and completion is expected in spring 2008

Continuing the high-rolling theme of property in the South of France, only one kilometre away from Monte Carlo is Beausoleil, known as 'Little Montmartre'. The town has attractive Belle Epoque architecture and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. L'Avant-Scène is a new development topped off by a penthouse. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are priced from £195,000 to £1.6m. The developer offers tailored interior design services so that buyers can customise their apartment.

If you are interested in property in the south of France but want something a little quieter (and potentially less expensive) consider looking away from the Côte d'Azur and focusing on the Atlantic coast instead. The Atlantic is equally popular with the French and foreigners alike, but offers a slightly wilder experience. Eighty metres from the sandy beach in Mimizan is the newly built L'Oustalet complex (pictured). There are two- and three-bedroom apartments available, costing from £85,000 to £207,000. The south-west is becoming increasingly popular for those looking to buy property in the South of France, and still offers good appreciation.

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Read other articles about France:
French property: Quality over quantity
Mediterranean France is so chic
Exploring Provence and the French Riviera

Article published on 7 February 2007